Keeping healthy amid Zika fears

Keeping Healthy Amid Zika Fears

Have you heard of that scary word, Zika? It seems to be everywhere - from the news to the Olympics. But what is it? Should you be worried?

The Zika virus is spread generally by the Aedes species of the mosquito. While that may sound fancy, the virus is not. Symptoms can include a red tint to your eyes, fever, joint pain and a rash.

Zika was first discovered in 1947 and in 2015 the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert after an increase in Zika related cases in Brazil.

Olympic athlete, Hope Solo, has come out and said she was hesitant to participate in the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio, Brazil. Other Olympians, like the USA Swim team have had their pre-Olympic training moved to Atlanta over fears of the increase of Zika in Puerto Rico.

So what can you do?

Avoid traveling to areas that have had an increase in Zika related cases.

Wear bug repellent every time you go outside. Look for repellents that specifically have Deet in their ingredient list. For more information, click here.

Consider wearing long sleeves and pants to avoid exposure anytime you go outside.

If you have any standing water in your yard or around you, dispose of it. If you have a pet who spends time outside, change their water daily or bring it inside to avoid any mosquitos becoming attracted to it.